Cavacas – Portuguese Popover Dessert

Cavacas – “Portuguese Popover Dessert”. The taste and texture is similar to a  profiterole with a creamy, sugary glaze over the top.

This classic dessert most likely originating in Caldas da Rainha is a favorite in the Portuguese community for celebrations and Holidays. It’s easy to make and it requires few ingredients. Traditionally a glass of Port wine is served along the this delicate dessert.

 

Ingredients:

Makes 12 large cavacas

8 extra large eggs (room temp)

½ cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

¼ cup milk

pinch salt

olive oil (for greasing tins)

Icing:

2 cups confectioner’s sugar

3 to 4 tablespoons milk

zest of 1 lemon

Preparation:

Here’s our YouTube Video page for you to follow along with the instructions:

Sift together the salt and flour and set aside. In a large mixing bowl beat the eggs and olive oil for about 5 minutes.

Add the flour mixture and beat for at least 10 minutes until the batter has reached a light creamy consistency. Add milk half during the last 5 minutes.

Grease large muffin tin or popover tins with 1 teaspoon olive oil to each section on bottom and up the sides. Fill each section 1/2 full with batter.

Cook at 350 degrees F. for 40 to 50 minutes. Note: *Do not open the oven or they will collapse! 🙁 Also note the ovens cook at different temperatures so keep an eye on them. If you notice they start to brown too dark remove from the oven.

Let cavacas cook slightly.

Meanwhile, In a small bowl make the icing by combining the confectionery sugar, and the lemon zest with milk until It reaches a smooth consistency. Taste and add more lemon zest if you prefer a lemony icing.

*If you find the icing too thick add milk, it it’s to soft add more sugar. Drizzle the icing over the Cavacas.